First and foremost, how are all of you? Are you staying safe? Going crazy? It’s getting old, isn’t it?

When the shut down first began, I vowed to not get too used to lounge wear, that I would wear street clothes a few times a week and every Friday was designated Fancy Friday, a dress-up day. Had to laugh at myself this past week. I had taken the plunge and gone into a store. As I drove home I noticed, for the first time in three days, that I was wearing the same sweats and tee shirt. My hairdo is a ball cap and make up is a pair of dark glasses. Wearing pants with a zipper instead of elastic, and Fancy Fridays are long gone. What about you? Are you covid fatigued?

Today is the fifth day of the Sturgis Bike Rally in South Dakota – 250,000 bikers drinking and partying like it’s 2019. One of the news stories this morning told of nightclub-like house parties in the Hollywood Hills, more people thinking partying with a hundred or so of unmasked strangers is a good idea. Kids are going back to school.

Seriously, what could go wrong?

On July 1st I wrote –
It begins again. At the very least, three more months of not seeing friends in person, not being served food and drink, not making plans to travel, or anything else. Some of us, a bit over half the population of us, observed the protocol necessary to end this virus. And now, for whatever reasons, opening too soon, people gathering in groups on the beach, in bars and coffee shops.

I’m kind of pissed.

Before July, back in April, when stay-at-home was, supposedly, in full force, I was still recording daily happenings. Let’s go back to April, which seems so long ago.

Friday, April 3rd – Two notable events today – Got our first Instacart delivery. Like it!
And we went “out” to dinner, taking the dinner I’d made to the beach, parked on a side street with a view of the ocean. It was just nice to get out.

Monday, April 6th – Made it all day without watching any news!

Wednesday, April 8th – Drama on my street today. Four cop cars whizzed to the end of the block where there was a guy waving a crowbar. Excitement.

Friday, April 17th – I can’t believe it’s only been four weeks.

Thursday, April 23rd – Kids next door selling lemonade. Are we at this point now?

Thursday, April 30th – Melt down, break down night. Are others experiencing this 42 day breakdown?

Saturday, May 2nd – Snake in the kitchen! Three firemen couldn’t find it. Snake either made its way outside, or it’s still in the kitchen somewhere. I put a trash can and a broom in a handy place, just in case. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Tuesday, May 5th – Cinco de Mayo. Homemade margaritas and enciladas. The rest of my Old Navy came today. Yay, new clothes. Also saw the snake outside. It has to be the same snake. Otherwise there are two snakes and I do not want to think that.

Tuesday, May 12th – I just took Bug for a walk. It’s a perfect afternoon and neighbors are outside, working or playing in their yards. The guy next door is blasting music. It’s Blue Oyster Cult’s The Reaper. I associate the song with the television production of The Stand. Just turned the day into something Stephen Kingish. Nice neighborhood, normal, regular people going on about their business. But, we all know, Something lurks beneath the surface. Baby, don’t fear the reaper. Yeah, right.

Thursday, May 14th – Red letter day! Our landlady is ready to sell us this house we’ve been renting for the past seven years. We love this house. In the midst of this pandemic, a whole new adventure begins. Definitely given us new avenues of conversation.

Friday, May 15th – As of this weekend, many more businesses are opening. We’re staying in our bubble. We’ll see how this all shakes out in three weeks.

Saturday, May 16th – Two parties happening on our street. People trying to go back to normal.

There is no “normal.” We are well into August now, and as we all know, cases of the virus have risen, with no real end in sight. We are in this for the duration. We’re all in the same boat. I wish we were all rowing in the same direction. Wishing won’t get all the people to do what they should be doing in the interest of all of us. Can’t wish away the virus, no matter how high an office one holds in government. The best we can do is what we believe is right. And, I guess, hope for the best.

I wish you all wellness, in body, mind and spirit. Eckhart Tolle says, Get the inside right and the outside will fall into place. Do whatever you do to center and put positiveness out there – meditate, pray, twirl in place, sing, dance, whatever.

And Vote!